Legendary all-rounder Khan, who led Pakistan to victory in the 1992 World Cup, said it would be unjust.

"I was critical of Akhtar in India because he got injured in the last Test, but disciplinary action cannot be taken in retrospect and the team management should have taken it on the tour," said Khan, who played 82 Tests for Pakistan.

Khan said Pakistan can only dispense with Akhtar if they find someone better.

"There were occasions when Akhtar was at his best, even on the India tour, so unless Mohammad Asif and Umar Gul attain peak form and there are adequate replacements you cannot leave out Akhtar," said Khan.